Set Goals, or Not

The practice of setting goals - like other like other well-established  and situationally-effective practices - tends to be applied mindlessly and universally. Need to solve all your problems? Set a goal! Don't have any problems? Set a goal! Don't know what to do with yourself? Set a goal! (Just make sure it is SMART.)

I see different conditions that make goal setting a reasonable choice:

• A need or desire for a pre-determined structured way forward; and/or
• A highly stable and predictable future; and/or
• A process that produces an immediate and concrete outcome; and/or
• A consistent reproducible environment that requires comparison; and/or
• An affinity for stability and control. 

However, if you desire freedom, see many possible futures, seek outcomes that are complex and intangible, operate in a dynamic environment, and/or possess an affinity for creativity, then the practice of goal setting may produce adverse results such as: 

• A self-limiting prophecy; and/or
• Repetition and boredom ; and/or  
• Unrealized potential; and/or
• Missed opportunity; and/or
• A narrow range of possibility; and/or
• A false sense of security; and/or
• A waste of your time. 

So, set goals when it makes sense. The rest of the time do things like: explore opportunity; lean into your leading edge; deepen into your passions; cultivate new experiences; follow your intuition; experiment; disrupt your preconceived notions; and so on. 

Giddy up!